Spanish Immersion Program in Action.
The program provides instruction in both languages developing
bilingualism, biliteracy and understanding of different cultures. Emphasis on
Spanish instruction in the early grades allows for English-speakers ample
exposure to the target language-Spanish. Spanish-speakers acquire a
second language without compromising their first language. In a Spanish
Immersion classroom, Spanish and English instruction is always kept
separate, allowing for maximized concentration of both languages.
Biography
Katherine Davis
First Grade Dual Language Spanish Immersion Teacher
Blix Elementary School
Tacoma Public Schools
Mrs. Davis was born and raised in Lima-Peru and moved to United States
ten years ago. While pursuing her education degree, she worked as a
Spanish interpreter and a teacher assistant for the Head Start Program in
Tacoma Public School District. She Graduated from Central Washington
University with a degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and
is currently working as a First Grade Dual Language Spanish Immersion
Teacher at Blix Elementary School.
BIOGRAPHY
Clara Stewart
Kindergarten Dual Language Spanish Immersion Teacher
Blix Elementary School
Tacoma Public Schools
Mrs. Stewart was born and raised in Panama City, Republic of Panama.
Graduated from University of Panama and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree
in English. She taught ELL at De LaSalle Elementary School for four years
and ELL at Universidad Tecnologica de Panama for three years. She
moved from Panama to Tacoma, WA in 2005 and continued her career as
an ELL Para-Educator at Midland Elementary (Franklin Pierce School
District) for two years; and she is currently working as a Dual Language
Spanish Immersion Teacher for Kindergarten at Blix Elementary School Tacoma Public Schools in Washington State.
Handout
Blix Elementary
Spanish Immersion/ Dual Language Kindergarten
Created 10/2009
Approved 12/2009
Implemented 10/2010
What is a Dual Language Immersion Program?
A dual language immersion program:
 Includes both native English and Native Spanish speakers in the same
homeroom

Provides academic instruction in both languages

Develops bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross cultural understanding
How does it work?
Students have one homeroom teacher who is a native Spanish speaker, proficient in
English. She will teach math and science in Spanish and reading/writing and social
studies in English.
Rationale: Blix Elementary serves 50% Hispanic Families. Research on language
acquisition overwhelmingly supports dual language immersion models: English
speakers who are immersed in Spanish language classes eventually master English
better because a ratio of two languages is the medium of instruction for academic
content. Native Spanish speakers can learn the academic language of their native
tongue and transfer acquired knowledge to English under the same model. In addition,
brain researchers have proved propensities for learning two languages at early ages
(Gomez, et. Al)
Program Goals: Student proficiency in English, proficiency in a new language,
academic achievement, intercultural competence.
Methods: Sheltered Instruction or SIOP is an instructional strategy to ensure that every
minute of instruction has language proficiency intentions (comprehensible input). This
method uses pictures, context of colors, movement, songs and student voice.